A Letter to Michigan State and Other College Students Struggling with Anxiety, Depression, or an Eating Disorder
My Story
It was the summer of 2011. I had just graduated from high school and was counting down the days until I started my freshman year of college. I was thrilled for this new adventure and all the possibilities it would bring. A chance to study psychology and social work, which I had realized was my passion! An opportunity to meet others who shared the same values and interests as me. A chance to grow in my independence and embark on new experiences!
Despite all of this excitement, I was also incredibly anxious. And I was coping with that anxiety by focusing on the things I could control: what I ate, my exercise, and my daily routines. As someone who had previously been hospitalized for an eating disorder and OCD tendencies, this did not come as a surprise. Knowing what I know now as a therapist, it makes sense that my ED came back during this transition. As excited as I was about starting college, there was a great deal of unknown and uncertainty.
Eating disorders and OCD thrive off of the unknown and uncertainty. Because I had previously been in counseling and recovered from an eating disorder once before, I knew the signs. The red flags. I was definitely engaging in the behaviors. When I went to my primary care doctor for my physical before college, she said, “Well, everything looks great! Your weight looks great. You seem healthy and ready for college!” I knew this was not the truth. This is when I told her that I hadn’t gotten my period in months. She realized that my weight had significantly dropped since my previous appointment. Because I had seen the red flags, I made the appointment to meet with my therapist again. I got back on my SSRI. Unfortunately, recovery didn’t happen overnight. It was a process. I went to college - I was in a breeding ground for eating disorders. I could tell who was struggling and who was not. However, I was able to connect with my goals and values and choose recovery every day. Choosing recovery eventually got easier, and then it wasn’t even a choice because I fully recovered for the second time around.
As Michigan State University, Lansing Community College, and other colleges welcome students back this fall, many of whom are starting their freshman year of college, I share this personal story to offer hope. If you find that you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or an eating disorder, I want you to know that you are not alone. College life at MSU or LCC can be exciting and full of opportunity — but it can also feel overwhelming. Between academic pressures, social expectations, and personal challenges, it’s no surprise that many students struggle with their mental health.
If you’re facing anxiety, depression, or an eating disorder, know this: you are not alone. Your experiences are valid, and support is within reach.
Recognizing the Signs
Mental health challenges often don’t look the same for everyone. You might be:
Constantly feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or hopeless
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Struggling with food — eating too little, overeating, or obsessing over control
Isolating yourself from friends or family
Having trouble focusing, sleeping, or functioning in daily life
If any of these sound familiar, it’s okay to reach out for help.
You're Not “Too Much” or “Not Enough”
If you’re struggling, you might tell yourself you should be “stronger” or that others have it worse. But pain isn’t a competition. Your feelings matter, and healing starts with self-compassion.
It’s also okay to not have all the answers. You don’t need a diagnosis to deserve support. Whether you’re managing constant anxiety or silently battling an eating disorder, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Building a Support System
Opening up can feel intimidating, but connecting with others is an essential part of the healing process. Here are a few ways to build support:
Talk to a trusted friend or professor
Join a student support group — CAPS can help you find one or check out some of our groups at The Counseling Center of Great Lakes.
Practice self-care — even small routines, such as eating three meals a day, walking outside, or journaling, can help.
Limit negative social media that triggers comparison or shame
Final Words
College life can feel fast-paced and intense, but your mental health matters more than any grade, job, or social image.
You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to ask for help. You are allowed to prioritize your well-being.
I don’t know how things would’ve been different if I had not reached out for help and gotten the support I needed when I was struggling. The other therapists at the Counseling Center of Great Lakes and I consider it an honor and a privilege to journey alongside you in your mental health journey. Please do not hesitate to reach out today. We are here to help, to offer hope and healing. I know, firsthand, that recovery, even in the trenches of college life, is possible.
